he GMKtec NucBox G10 is a budget-friendly mini PC that stands out by using a more powerful, albeit older, AMD Ryzen processor rather than the low-power Intel N-series chips common in this price range. It's designed to offer a balance of performance and affordability, especially for users who need better graphics capabilities.

Key Specifications

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4 cores, 8 threads, up to 3.7 GHz). This is an older 12nm "Picasso" APU from 2019 but has a higher TDP (25W, with a max of 35W) than the Intel N100/N150, giving it a performance edge in many multi-core and graphical tasks.

• Graphics: Integrated Radeon Vega 8 Graphics (1200 MHz). This iGPU is a significant advantage over the Intel UHD graphics found in competitors, making the G10 a better option for light gaming and emulation.

• RAM: Dual-channel DDR4 SO-DIMM, pre-configured with 16GB. It is user-upgradable, supporting up to 64GB of RAM.

• Storage: The G10 features dual M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD slots, a rare and valuable feature in this price bracket. Standard configurations come with a 512GB. It can be expanded up to 16TB.

• Operating System: Comes with a pre-installed and activated Windows 11 Pro. It also has solid Linux support.

• Connectivity:

  • Wired: A 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, which is a notable upgrade from the standard Gigabit Ethernet on many mini PCs.

  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0. These are older standards but are still functional for most uses. The Wi-Fi module is an M.2 card and can be upgraded to Wi-Fi 6 or 6E.

  • Ports: A generous selection including 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0, a full-function USB-C port (data, display, and power delivery), a second power-only USB-C port, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This allows for triple-monitor setups.

• Dimensions & Design: An ultra-compact chassis measuring 103 x 98 x 42 mm. It has a plastic case with a VESA mount included for attaching it to the back of a monitor.

Performance and Use Cases

The G10 is a compelling choice for a variety of users, especially those on a budget who want more than just basic computing power.

• Productivity: It handles everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and 4K video playback with ease. The Ryzen 5 3500U is more than capable for general use and can handle multitasking better than many lower-TDP Intel N-series processors.

• Light Gaming & Emulation: This is where the G10 truly shines in its category. The Vega 8 iGPU allows for light gaming at 1080p and can run a much wider range of titles compared to Intel-based mini PCs. It's also a great machine for retro gaming and emulation, including some more demanding console emulators like those for PS2 and Wii.

• Home Lab / Server: The dual NVMe slots and 2.5GbE LAN port make it an excellent choice for a home server or a custom networking appliance. Its TDP is higher than N-series chips, so it's not as power-efficient for 24/7 use, but the added performance and connectivity can be worth the trade-off.